Remarks on Pak players misconstrued: Shah Rukh

Under attack from Shiv Sena, Shah Rukh Khan today said it was sad that his remarks on Pakistani cricketers in IPL have been misconstrued but ruled out meeting Bal Thackeray on his own to sort out the controversy.

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Headlines Today Bureau

Mumbai

February 6, 2010

UPDATED: February 6, 2010 14:01 IST

Under attack from Shiv Sena, Shah Rukh Khan on Saturday said it was sad that his remarks on Pakistani cricketers in IPL have been misconstrued but ruled out meeting Bal Thackeray on his own to sort out the controversy.

"I think what I said has been misconstrued. I am pro good relationship with countries. I am not pro some other country and not my own country. How is it possible?" he told reporters outside the airport on his arrival from London amid tight security.

Asked if he would go to 'Matoshree', home of Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, who has been attacking the actor for his comments on the non-inclusion of Pakistani players in the 3rd edition of IPL, to explain his position, the actor said Bal Thackeray was a senior leader and he had gone to his residence whenever he was called.

"I have been there so often. Yes, I would like to go and have drink with him. But on this matter, I don't see....there is no reason for going and asking....but if my stand needs to be explained to someone, I have already done it. I don't think there is an issue on that front," Khan said.

But the 44-year-old actor's upcoming film My Name Is Khan faces threat from Sena supporters

Security tighetened

As if the security clampdown in Mumbai on Friday wasn't enough, there could be another gridlock in the maximum city today.

And this time it is the security for Bollywood badshah Shahrukh Khan who has just landed in Mumbai.

While the Shiv Sena may have made a U-turn on SRK's film My Name is Khan, the Mumbai Police is not taking any chances with the Sena's stormtroopers.

Police stepped security up at Mumbai airport ahead of SRK's arrival.

A police convoy was to escort the superstar to his house, Mannat where Sainiks tried to stage a demonstration last week.

A security cordon has also been thrown around his house.

The actor has been locked in a duel with the Shiv Sena over the last few days over his comments on Pakistani cricketers.

But so far he had been battling the party from overseas.

Shah Rukh Khan had been abroad promoting his upcoming release My Name is Khan.

The Sena had warned the actor that he must apologise for his words or face the consequences. However, SRK has categorically said he has done nothing wrong.

For now, the Shiv Sena is waiting for SRK to come up with a statement before plotting the next move.

Sena's U-turn

Earlier, the Sena announced that it would not oppose SRK's upcoming movie My name is Khan.

In his editorial in Saamna, Sena patriarch Bal Thackeray has said that Shiv Sainiks will not disrupt the screening of My name is Khan.

This is in sharp contrast to earlier Sena stand that it will not allow SRK's upcoming movie to run in theatres.

The Sena had launched a vicious campaign against the Bollywood actor for his comments favouring Pak players.

But Thackeray's editorial also reiterates his earlier allegations that SRK has the support of Congress.

Referring to Sonia Gandhi and Rahul, the sena patriarch writes that SRK can go ahead with the support of Itlalian lady and her son.

With PTI

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